Arsenal emerged victorious in last week’s FA Community Shield against Manchester City and now get their Premier League campaign underway on Friday night with a clash versus Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium at 20:00 local time.
Mikel Arteta’s men will be heavy favourites to commence their title defence on a positive note against Frank Lampard’s newly promoted side, and here is how the home side might line-up for the fixture.
Goalkeeper – David Raya is expected to retain his place in between the sticks.
Defenders – Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were the right and left back last weekend, and the duo are expected to retain their places for tomorrow’s clash as well. Gabriel Magalhaes might round off an unchanged back four by partnering alongside Cristhian Mosquera in the heart of defence.
Rice back in midfield, Saka also returns
Midfielders – Bruno Guimaraes made his official debut for Arsenal last weekend following his switch from Newcastle United. The Brazilian is expected to retain his place in the double pivot in midfield as long as he’s passed fit having picked up a minor groin issue last week.
Alongside him, Declan Rice could come into the Arsenal side at Myles Lewis-Skelly’s expense in the deeper-lying role in the engine room.
Martin Odegaard was on the scoresheet in the last match and could start as Arsenal’s captain and number 10 versus Coventry City. After a campaign troubled by injuries, he will look to put on a better showing this time around.
Bukayo Saka may also be back in the starting eleven, replacing Noni Madueke in the process, on the right flank, whereas £34 million summer signing Christos Tzolis, who bagged a couple of assists in the last game, could keep his place in the team as the left winger.
Forward – Viktor Gyokeres is expected to return as the striker for Arsenal ahead of Kai Havertz.
Here is how the hosts are likely to look on paper.
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